JETCO Meeting Explores UK-Qatar Trade Opportunities

During the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) talks held in December, International Trade Minister, Greg Hands, met with Qatari Minister of Economy and Commerce, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim al Thani, to discuss opportunities to strengthen and build on bilateral trade ties between the two countries. It follows a commitment made by the Qatari Prime Minister in March to invest an additional £5 billion across the UK over the next 3 to 5 years. The talks concluded with both sides signing a statement outlining their mutual commitment to support small businesses in both countries and improve access to trade financing to help exporters.

Trade between the UK and Qatar was worth more than £5 billion in 2016, with machinery, mechanical parts and precious stones and metals among the most popular UK goods exports to Qatar.

During the talks, the Ministers also met UK companies working in Qatar and looked at ways to overcome market access barriers, while fresh dialogues on education and technology will create significant opportunities for important UK industries.